Brilliant green
Learn what Brilliant green (E142) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Brilliant green?
A synthetic food coloring additive obtained from coal tar. It gives a green color and is allowed for use in any type of food. This water-soluble colorant, which is insoluble in acidic or alkaline solutions, also known as Green S, is banned in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Norway, as it is considered toxic. It is added alone or in combination with other colorants to a wide range of products, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, preserved fruit and vegetable products, fat-based desserts, fruit or dairy desserts, cakes, biscuits, wafers, snacks, confectionery, fish dishes and preserves, processed cheese, sauces, condiments, mustard, dietary supplements, and diet foods, etc.
Why is Brilliant green added to food?
Brilliant green (E142) is a colorant commonly found in: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, desserts, sweets.
Permitted quantity: The maximum daily dose allowed for human consumption is up to 5 mg/kg body weight.
Is Brilliant green safe?
Low concern
Allergies and hyperactivity in children (ADHD syndrome).
Is Brilliant green banned anywhere?
⚠ Restricted in some countries (not banned in the EU)
Is Brilliant green okay for kids?
Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
Common foods that contain Brilliant green
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- desserts
- sweets
How to spot Brilliant green on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E142
- Brilliant green
Common misspellings to watch for:
- brllliant green
- brilllant green
- brilliant qreen
- brilliant green
- brillidnt green
Better alternatives
• May cause allergies, insomnia, hyperactivity, and asthma. Not recommended in children's diets. • Banned in Canada, USA, Japan, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
Also known as
- brllliant green
- brilllant green
- brilliant qreen
- brilliant green
- brillidnt green
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Brilliant green? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E142 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Brilliant green
- Is Brilliant green safe to eat?
- Allergies and hyperactivity in children (ADHD syndrome).
- Is Brilliant green banned anywhere?
- Brilliant green is not banned in the EU but is restricted in some countries.
- Is Brilliant green safe for children?
- Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children.
- How do I spot Brilliant green on a food label?
- Look for E142, Brilliant green in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: brllliant green, brilllant green, brilliant qreen.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.